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Best French Bread Pizza

Featured in Snacks and Bites Everyone Loves.

Turn a loaf into amazing homemade French bread pizza! Pressing the bread makes it crispy and sturdy for layers of garlic butter, tangy sauce, and plenty of cheese. Pre-melt some cheese, then add the sauce to avoid sogginess. Finish with olive oil and herbs for vibrant, fresh flavors. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for busy nights when you want something better than takeout.
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Updated on Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:27:11 GMT
Two cheesy pizza slices on wood. Pin it
Two cheesy pizza slices on wood. | mecooking.com

Nothing beats a souped-up French bread pizza that turns an easy weeknight meal into something you'll talk about for days. This fresh take features a crispy, toasted base smothered in flavorful garlic butter, then loaded with gooey melted cheese and zesty herb-filled tomato sauce. The smart cooking tricks and top-notch ingredients make this childhood favorite feel brand new and totally amazing.

I've tried making this so many times in my kitchen, and this version nails that perfect mix of crunchy and chewy textures that my kids beg for every single week.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Water-packed mozzarella: It melts beautifully and has that mild, creamy taste that gives you amazing stretchy cheese pulls. Just remember to pat it dry before you use it.
  • Soft French bread: Go for a softer loaf instead of anything too crusty. The tender inside makes a better base and gets that gorgeous golden-brown color.
  • Whole garlic cloves: You'll need these for both your butter spread and your sauce. Pick ones that feel heavy and have tight skin for the strongest flavor punch.
  • Good olive oil: Spending a little more on nice extra virgin olive oil really changes the game. Use it while cooking and drizzle some on at the end.
  • Leafy herbs: Grab some basil and parsley for freshness and a pop of color. Look for bright, perky leaves without any wilting.

Building Your Dream Pizza

Whipping Up Garlic Butter:
Mix soft butter with finely chopped fresh garlic until they're completely blended together.
Making Your Special Sauce:
First, lightly cook your minced garlic until it smells amazing but hasn't turned brown yet.
Getting Your Bread Ready:
Cut your loaf right down the middle lengthwise to make two equal halves.
First Toasting Step:
Slather your homemade garlic butter all over each cut side of bread.
Laying Down Base Cheese:
Put thin mozzarella slices across the whole surface of your toasted bread.
Putting It All Together:
Spread your sauce and sprinkle the rest of your cheese, making sure everything's evenly covered.
Last Little Touches:
Sprinkle fresh-grated parmesan and scatter aromatic herbs all over the top.
Two slices of cheese pizza on a wooden board. Pin it
Two slices of cheese pizza on a wooden board. | mecooking.com

My little girl found her passion for cooking with this dish. She calls herself the official garlic butter expert, carefully measuring everything and proudly spreading it all over the bread herself.

Tasty Combos

Make your French bread pizza into a full dinner by adding a fresh Caesar salad topped with homemade garlic croutons. If you want something heartier, throw in a bowl of chunky tomato soup for dipping. A cool glass of Italian red wine goes perfectly with all these bold flavors.

Make It Your Own

You can switch things up with tons of different toppings. Try some slowly cooked onions and mushrooms for an earthy taste, or add crispy pancetta and fresh arugula after it's done baking for a fancy twist. If you don't eat meat, roasted veggies and creamy ricotta make an amazing combo.

Storing Leftovers

Any extras can go in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat them, heat your oven to 350°F and warm the pizza for 8-10 minutes. Don't use the microwave or your bread will get soggy. If you want to freeze some, wrap each piece in foil and they'll keep for up to a month.

Two pieces of cheese pizza on a wooden board. Pin it
Two pieces of cheese pizza on a wooden board. | mecooking.com

I've made French bread pizza for so many years, but this version really hits the sweet spot between easy and impressive. The thoughtful cooking methods and quality ingredients turn a basic dish into something special that brings everyone running to the dinner table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep French bread pizza earlier?
It’s best fresh, but you can get parts ready ahead. Make the garlic butter and sauce up to 2 days before. Bake and serve it right before eating.
→ Which bread works best?
Choose fresh French or Italian bread, around 18 inches long and 4 inches wide. It should hold toppings well but not be too dense.
→ Why press the bread first?
Squishing the loaf creates a crispier base and keeps the sauce from soaking in too much.
→ Can I customize with more toppings?
Of course! After the sauce and cheese, add whatever you like—try pepperoni, mushrooms, or even peppers.
→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get it hot and crispy.

Best French Bread Pizza

Make crispy French bread pizza with a buttery base, homemade sauce, and melty cheese. A simple dinner that everyone will love!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Mariana


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 loaf of Italian or French bread, about 18 inches long and 4 inches wide
02 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, shredded fresh
03 14.5-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
04 2 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese

→ Flavoring & Base

05 4 garlic cloves, chopped up finely
06 3 tablespoons of butter, unsalted
07 1/4 cup of minced fresh parsley and/or basil leaves
08 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided into two parts
09 Tiny pinch of red chili flakes
10 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
11 Kosher salt to season as needed

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven rack high and preheat it to 425°F. Melt butter together with 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Toss in the garlic, chili flakes, and oregano; cook until the garlic softens without turning brown (about 2 minutes). Stir through half the herbs and some salt, then turn off the heat.

Step 02

Slice the bread lengthwise and then across the middle, splitting it into four pieces. Lay the bread, cut-side facing up, onto a baking pan. Press down lightly to flatten it slightly, reducing its thickness to about two-thirds. Brush on half the garlic butter mixture so it spreads evenly over the surface.

Step 03

Pour the crushed tomatoes into what's left of the garlic butter in the pan. Simmer it gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up. Taste and add salt as needed.

Step 04

While the sauce is simmering, sprinkle 1/4 of the mozzarella over the prepared bread. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 8 minutes, long enough to start melting the cheese.

Step 05

Spread the thickened tomato mixture over the bread, then top it with the remaining shredded mozzarella. Bake everything until the cheese is melty and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with the leftover herbs, Parmesan cheese, and drizzle the last tablespoon of olive oil on top. Cool for a few minutes, then serve.

Notes

  1. You’ll get a crunchy yet soft pizza-like bread packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness.
  2. Using a sturdy loaf of bread, like Italian or French, is important so it holds the toppings without getting soggy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small saucepan
  • Flat baking sheet
  • Cheese grater
  • Brush for spreading butter

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Made with dairy (cheese, butter)
  • Contains gluten (bread base)